Newcastle United are hoping to secure a deal to take Hatem Ben Arfa on loan from Marseille this week. Chris Hughton, Newcastle's manager, believes the France international can add much‑needed creativity to his midfield but the move has been delayed by financial haggling.

Cash‑Strapped Marseille believe Newcastle should pay almost £1m to borrow Arfa for the season while the St James' Park club would prefer to contribute only half that amount.

The 23-year-old Arfa, who is of Tunisian descent, can operate either as an attacking, scheming, midfielder or as a left-winger. He is regarded as one of the best young talents in France but he has been criticised for lacking discipline.

Hughton's hopes of pipping Sunderland to Danny Welbeck were dashed when the young Manchester United striker agreed to go to the Stadium of Light on a season‑long loan.

Matthew Kilgallon is still expected to be borrowed from Sunderland by Middlesbrough until January but the deal has been delayed while Boro study medical reports on the centre‑half.